Deer Hunting AR Rifle: Which One is Right For Me?

One of the most important things for a deer hunter is their weapon of choice because without this, a hunter isn’t a hunter. Therefore choosing the correct AR rifle makes all the difference to a successful hunter and a mediocre hunter, and because of the sharp upward trend in popularity that AR rifles have experienced in recent times it’s a good idea to get one in your hands the next time you take to the hunting field.

The main benefits to an AR rifle is that they offer so much configurability to the hunter, from adjustable stocks and different sighting options you can literally get one custom made for your requirements, and at the end of the day if you have an AR rifle you are comfortable and happy with then you are going to be much more successful than choosing a rifle that isn’t as accommodating to you.

Now, picking the right deer hunting AR rifle comes down to your style and requirements but there are so many to choose from. Some are lightweight and easy to carry (ideal for up-hill climbs and rocky locations), where some offer a nice long-range sight for more open areas such as the countryside. Below we are going to take a look at a number of AR rifles and the benefits they offer to deer hunters, so by the time you have read through this guide you will understand a little bit more about which rifle is going to better suit you on the hunt.

Deer Hunting AR Rifle: The DPMS

If you want to go for lightweight and small then the DPMS compact hunter is going to do the job for you. This is actually one of the lightest and smallest on the market at the moment so you can’t go wrong if you are hunting in more hilly areas that require climbing and steep inclined walks. The gun features a 16-inch barrel and chambered in .308. The gun is primarily made from carbon fiber which is why it is so lightweight, the ideal solution to long treks and long days out.

The gun is slightly more expensive than most, so be prepared to pay $1,500 if you want to get your hands on this model.

Deer Hunting AR Rifle: MMR Hunter

The barrel on the MMR hunter is slightly longer than the DPMS, you are looking at a 20-inch barrel on this rifle. The rifle also comes in two different colors, one being a mossy oak tree stand color which is ideal if you really want to blend in with the surroundings, and the other is a black phosphate color.

The rifle is chambered in 5.56 which means that hunters can legally hunt deer with .22 caliber rounds.

The price tag on this AR rifle is around the $1,000 mark, but do shop around before you purchase as the chances are you can pick it up cheaper at a reliable online store.

Deer Hunting AR Rifle: CMMG Mk 4LE

If you are budgeting then this gun falls under the $1,000 mark and you can normally pick one up for closer to $900 if you look in the correct places.

The gun weighs in at just over the 6lbs mark, and extends to 32-inches in total length so it’s perfect for the compact hunter looking to hunt deer in thickets. If you want a rifle that is cost effective, versatile and offer the hunter with a good deal of accuracy then this comfortable grip CMMG is going to be somewhere at the top of your AR rifle shopping list.

Deer Hunting AR Rifle: S&W M&P10

Now we come to a hunter’s favorite model of gun because this packs a lot of punch and offers so many benefits to hunters from all backgrounds and skill levels. The S&W M&P10 is a Smith and Wesson that provides amazing accuracy and comes equipped with chromed gas key, firing pin and bolt carrier so you know it is going to be reliable to any hunter.

It’s not the lightest gun on the market because the M&P10 is a beefy bit of equipment, so it weighs in just over 8lbs, but it’s perfect for taking out whitetail deer and offers the serious deer hunter high-quality .308 ammunition.

As expected this happens to also be one of the more expensive machines on the market and at a top price you can expect to pay over $1,700 but again, if you shop around before purchasing you should be able to find it closer to $1,600 meaning you get a nice $200 discount on that top price.

Deer Hunting AR Rifle: Bushmaster 450

We can’t finish any AR rifle article guide off without including a Bushmaster model who have been in the industry for many years, producing a long line of high-quality AR rifles for hunters right across the country, and indeed the world.

The 450 is chambered to .450 as the name gives away, so it’s the ideal rifle for long-range shooting in thick cover, as well as stand hunting. The barrel size depends on whatever works for you as the model comes with two different sizes, you can either choose a 16-inch or a 20-inch barrel length and because the gun is so powerful you can expect a muzzle velocity of 2,200 feet per second but don’t expect heavy recoil on this one.

In terms of cost, the longer barrel mode, the 20-inch, will cost you in the region of about $1,500 which matches up to many other guns that we have mentioned in our list here. So if you have been hunting deer for a while now and are looking for a reliable and powerful gun to take with you on your next hunt, the Bushmaster is definitely one that you want to check out before you make your final decision on any other gun.

However, just remember that it comes down to your personal preference, hunting style and hunting location as each gun is designed differently.